Fire Prevention Week, 2002
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Every year, fires needlessly take lives and destroy homes, natural
habitats, and livelihoods. This year, as we observe Fire Prevention
Week, I ask all citizens to take responsible steps to prevent fires at
home and outdoors and to ensure that safety and emergency plans are in
place and in practice.

Approximately 3,500 Americans die each year in home fires; and 85
percent of all annual fire fatalities occur in residences. To prevent
this tragic loss of life, the National Fire Protection Association, in
partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United
States Fire Administration, and America's 26,354 fire departments, is
sponsoring the 2002 Fire Prevention Week campaign, "Team Up for Fire
Safety." I encourage all Americans to heed the recommendations of fire
safety experts by ensuring that every home is equipped with the
appropriate number of properly installed and maintained smoke alarms
and that every family has fire safety and escape plans. These measures
will help to prevent fires and protect our families, our communities,
and our firefighters.

America has faced a devastating wildfire season this year, and much
wildlife habitat has been destroyed by fires in our overgrown forests.
To reduce the threat of these cata-strophic wildfires and to restore
the health of America's forests, we must continue to develop improved
forest management plans. My Healthy Forests Initiative aims to ensure
our environment's health by thinning dangerous overgrowth.
Firefighters and forest experts agree that we could strengthen the
health of our forests by targeted thinning of dense forests and quickly
restoring fire-damaged areas to prevent erosion. Through these
improved forest policies, we can protect our citizens, prevent
catastrophic fires, preserve healthy forests, and sustain wildlife
habitat.

During Fire Prevention Week, our Nation also gives thanks for the
invaluable service rendered by our firefighters, who risk their lives
to preserve and protect our communities. These courageous public
servants have inspired us with their dedication and professionalism.
On September 11, 2001, we saw that our brave firefighters are among
America's greatest heroes. As we remember the sacrifice of so many
firefighters that day, let us draw great strength from their example of
selfless service to others. These firefighters embodied the best of
the American spirit.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 6 through
October 12, 2002, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 6, 2002,
pursuant to Public Law 107-51, flags will be flown at half-staff on all
Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. I invite the people of the United
States to participate in this observance by flying our Nation's flag
over their homes at half-staff on this day, to mark this week with
appropriate programs and activities, and to renew efforts throughout
the year to prevent fires and their tragic consequences.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.